Allegheny County and City of Pittsburgh officials have announced their extreme weather emergency plans, and the message they're sending to residents is to stay indoors if you can, while all hands will be on deck as they deal with sub-zero temperatures.

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Residents were doing what they could to prepare for the deep freeze that began Monday night and continued into Tuesday morning. Amanda Walton, of Squirrel Hill, said that keeping her baby boy warm and her two dogs safe will be her priorities.

"He told us to put the space heater on in here, and if we were lucky, the pipes didn’t break. We’re just letting it drip so it doesn’t freeze again," said Walton.

Animal Control will be out in force, ready to cite anyone not properly caring for pets.

Dial 211 for the non-emergency line in Allegheny County. In the city, non-emergency is 311. If you have an emergency, dial 911.

Huss warned residents not to heat their homes with their stoves and to be cognizant of carbon monoxide dangers. He also urged residents to use caution with portable heaters, use heaters that are approved for indoor use, prevent pipes from freezing by opening cabinets and turning both the hot and cold water on to a drip, and never use a heater to thaw frozen pipes.

"I can't stress enough how dangerous these low temperatures can be on everyone, especially our elderly population, children and even city employees,” Huss said. "It's extremely important that you stay inside and check on your elderly neighbors, family and children. Keep your animals inside, and if you cannot safely maintain heat inside of your home, call 311 before it becomes an emergency and we will get you to a warm place."

In places outside Pittsburgh, such as Freeport, people like Denise Lavenets and her church members at Expressway Baptist Church, are pulling together. They have compiled loads of warm clothing for those who need it. Lavenets says the number to call to coordinate a pickup at the church is 724-968-2699.